An attempt has been made to map the potential avalanche zones of Alaknanda valley of central Himalaya by employing analytical hierarchy process (AHP) using remote sensing data in GIS environment. The AHP has been found to be an effective method for mapping of the avalanche prone areas of highly undulating mountains. Further, a numerical simulation of one of the potential avalanching site has been carried out using Rapid Mass Movement Simulation (RAMMS) model was used to determine the flow dynamics of the avalanche sites. The mapping of potential avalanche zones in combination with numerical simulation can provide promising results for prediction of natural hazards occurring in glacial and peri glacial areas.